TTC Brother vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch are two popular options to consider. The TTC Brother stands out for its lightweight and breezy actuation, making it a favorite among clicky switch enthusiasts. With a satisfyingly crunchy sound and a subtle tactile bump, it offers a tactile experience that is both precise and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and provides a smooth and gliding typing sensation with a rich auditory experience. While the Brother is known for being crunchy and easy-to-press, the Mamba is described as neutral and polished. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
17.5mm spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the TTC Brother and the Durock Mamba, a key difference lies in the top housing material used. The Brother utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Mamba's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing. While the polycarbonate of the Brother offers a clear and resonant sound profile, the Mamba's blend provides a more unique and pleasant sound that leans towards the brighter side. This distinction in sound profiles can greatly influence the overall typing experience for users of each switch.
Additionally, the bottom housing materials of the Brother and Mamba also differ significantly. The Brother's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder tone. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba offers a deeper and more muted sound profile, providing a unique typing experience for users. These differences in bottom housing materials can have a significant impact on the overall sound and feel of the switch when typing, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
While the Brother and Mamba differ in their choice of housing materials, both switches aim to provide a pleasing and unique sound profile for users. The polycarbonate top housing of the Brother and the blend top housing of the Mamba each bring their own distinctive qualities to the sound profile of the switch. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Brother and the POM bottom housing of the Mamba offer contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the Brother or the more unique and muted sound of the Mamba will come down to personal preference and desired typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we can see clear differences in their weight. The Brother has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes quickly. However, the bottom out force is unknown, which may affect the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Mamba has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Although the actuation force for the Mamba is unknown, it is likely to be heavier than the Brother due to the higher bottom out force. Ultimately, the Brother switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Mamba switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, offering a different typing experience for users based on their preferences for weight in their switches.
Travel distance
Both the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch have a travel distance of 3.5 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. This can result in a similar typing experience for users who prefer a consistent travel distance. Overall, both switches offer a standard travel distance that is neither shorter nor longer than the other.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
The Durock Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch offers a distinctive and satisfyingly crunchy sound that is beloved by enthusiasts of clicky switches. The Durock Mamba linear switch, on the other hand, provides a rich and creamy auditory experience that delivers a more neutral and thocky sound profile. While the Brother switch gives a classic clicky feel akin to stepping on autumn leaves, the Mamba switch offers a deep and satisfying thock sound that is both rich and smooth.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Brother clicky switch is praised for its easy-to-press nature, providing a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. The tactile bump in the Brother switch offers a stepped feel, with distinct stages during key presses. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle feel that appeals to a wide range of users. The polished finish of the Mamba switch ensures smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Brother switch excels in delivering a crunchy and tactile typing experience with a light actuation force, the Mamba switch provides a more neutral and thocky sound profile along with a mild and polished feel. Depending on personal preference for either clicky or linear switches, both options offer exceptional quality that will enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on your desired sound and feel preferences, ensuring that you will achieve satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, consider the Brother if you enjoy a light actuation force and a satisfyingly crunchy sound with a balanced tactile bump. The Brother is ideal for those who appreciate an easy-to-press switch with a stepped feel. On the other hand, opt for the Mamba if you prefer a medium bottom out force and a smooth, creamy typing experience with a neutral sound profile. The Mamba offers a mild typing feel and a polished finish for a refined typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for clicky versus linear switches and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that best aligns with your individual typing style and needs.
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